Ivybridge Town secure a welcome away win

A SINGLE goal from Chris Harvey was enough to earn Ivybridge Town a welcome away win at Tavistock in the Jewson Western League on Tuesday evening (Oct 6), writes Graham Hambly.

Although scoring only the one goal, Ivybridge dominated the game, having two penalties saved and two further strikes ruled offside. They also had a number of efforts saved by Tavistock goalkeeper Dan Holman, who took his side’s man of the match award.

Ironically, that award came despite Holman being booked after only ten minutes for a foul on Alfie Slough. The home goalkeeper made amends, however, by saving the resultant spot kick from Jake Lane.

The vital goal came a couple of minutes later with Chris Harvey heading home a cross by Owen Howard. Shortly afterwards Harvey and Howard combined for a repeat performance only to see the header ruled offside.

The second penalty save came in the 58th minute following a foul on Ivybridge skipper James Forrest, who made a fine run forward from midfield. This time Slough saw his effort saved by Holman.

Ivybridge continued to torment the Tavistock defence with Harvey turning in a man of the match performance on his return to the starting line-up while Kaycee Ogwu was always a threat on the left wing.

In fact, it was Ogwu who created the opening in stoppage time when substitute Josh Johnson had a late effort in the net only to be denied by an offside decision.

Ivybridge joint manager Ben Washam was delighted by the team’s performance, particularly after Saturday’s 5-0 home defeat by Clevedon Town.

He said: “The lads learned from the disappointment of Saturday and there was really only one team in it at Tavistock. We were solid all over the pitch. Their goalkeeper made five or six really good saves and the 1-0 scoreline flattered them.”

Referring to the two penalty saves in addition to the fact that Ivybridge failed to convert another spot kick in a recent match, Washam commented: “It looks as if we need some penalty practice.”

Ivybridge were boosted by having defenders Hayden Baugh and Nick Salop back in the side while striker Dan Tate should soon be available again after recovering from injury.

Washam and fellow joint manager Brad Gargett are naturally pleased at having players available again, but Washam added: “It will give us a few selection headaches.”

Meanwhile, Ivybridge will be hoping for another winning performance on Saturday (Oct 10) when they face a home fixture against local rivals Torpoint Athletic, although they will need to be on their guard against the Cornish side who will be looking to bounce back from a 4-1 home defeat by Buckland Athletic on Tuesday evening.